Ricky Loses His Voice begins with Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz) rehearsing for the grand re-opening of the Tropicana … under new ownership (Mr. Chambers) — but his throat is sore, so he heads home. In the meantime, the new furniture that Lucy won in the previous episode (Redecorating) has arrived, and Lucy and Ethel move their old furniture into the hallway … and Ricky comes home, fighting his way through the furniture, feeling more poorly. Fred has promised to move “one or two” pieces of furniture to the basement … before seeing an entire apartment’s worth in the hallway, and Ricky is feeling too poorly to help.

Ricky is being a big baby about being sick, and is worrying about not being able to make his re-opening. After a funny bit with Ricky not wanting his breakfast, it turns out that the doctor has determined that there’s a virus attacking Ricky’s throat, and he’s not to talk for a week. After another funny bit of physical comedy when Ricky doesn’t want to take his medicine, Lucy decides to go talk to the new owner of the Tropicana, Mr. Chambers, about setting up the new show …

However, before Lucy can leave, Mr. Chambers calls to let Ricky know that he’s leaving town on a business trip — and Lucy decides thatÂ she will stage the show for him, with herself as the opening number, followed by Fred & Ethel’s routine. Fred uses their old act … from 1927. And Fred has rehired the old showgirls as well.

On opening night, Ricky is at the Tropicana (having been bed-ridden during all the rehearsals) and some very … vintage … showgirls come out as he’s singing. It’s very funny, allowing Desi Arnaz to show off both his singing and comedy skills at the same time as he reacts. Next Fred and Ethel perform “Carolina in the Morning” dressed as they would have in vaudeville while Ricky reacts — with Desi Arnaz trying to not crack up during the filming.

Lucy then comes on, accompanied by the showgirls, as the queen of the flappers, performing “Has Anybody seen my Gal?” on the ukulele, followed by a Charleston dance number that everone takes part in, including Ricky (pulled on-stage by Lucy) … and joined by Mr. Chambers as well!

Quotes fromÂ Ricky Loses His Voice

Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball): [to Ethel] For the rent you charge, you could make larger keyholes.